Catalytic Synthesis of Substituted Indoles and Quinolines from the Dehydrative C-H Coupling of Arylamines with 1,2- and 1,3-Diols

The cationic ruthenium-hydride complex catalyzes dehydrative C-H coupling reaction of arylamines with 1,2-diols to form the indole products. The analogous coupling of arylamines with 1,3-diols afforded the substituted quinolines. The catalytic method directly forms these coupling products in a highly regioselective manner without generating any toxic byproducts.